Laughing With Your Children

 

Why Humor is a Vital Part of Your Child’s Development

Do you still remember your baby’s first real smile?
That tiny giggle when you wiped their chin and accidentally tickled their neck?
(Yes, that happened. And yes, it was adorable.)

Smiling and laughter are some of the earliest social milestones in child development. Babies begin to smile as early as 6 to 8 weeks, and laughter soon follows. But beyond being cute, humor plays a powerful role in how children connect, learn, and grow.

Is a Sense of Humor Genetic?

According to Dr. Mary L. Gavin of KidsHealth.org, a sense of humor isn’t just something we’re born with—it’s something children develop. And like any skill, it needs to be nurtured over time.

So how do we, as parents, support that development?

Let’s break it down by age:

👶 Babies (0–12 months)

Your baby loves your smile. They study your face, mimic your joy, and respond to your energy. Funny sounds, peek-a-boo games, and gentle tickles often bring giggles because babies are naturally responsive to physical play.

💡 Tip: Your joy helps shape theirs. Make funny sounds, show expressive faces, and don’t hold back the silliness.

🚼 Toddlers (1–3 years)

Toddlers start finding humor in rhymes, silly words, and physical comedy—think exaggerated sneezes or pretend falls. They also love getting a laugh out of you, even if their jokes don’t make sense yet.

💡 Tip: Laugh with them, not just at them. Encourage their attempts at humor—it helps them build confidence and social skills.

🎨 Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Preschoolers begin to understand the concept of "what’s supposed to happen"—so they find it funny when things don’t go that way. Like a dog wearing glasses, or someone putting a shoe on their hand. Yes, this is also the age where bathroom humor enters the scene (brace yourself).

💡 Tip: Redirect inappropriate humor with creativity. Acknowledge their curiosity and help them explore funny-but-kind alternatives.

Why Laughing Together Matters

Laughter strengthens bonds, builds emotional resilience, and even helps with learning. Shared humor creates connection—and connection builds trust.

So yes, your child’s first giggle is more than a memory.
It’s the beginning of a joyful, lifelong relationship built on smiles, silliness, and shared fun.

 

Coach Benjamin Mizrahi
Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.

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